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United States · Official source
3,189 records where Rep. Howard, James J. [D-NJ-3] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Designates a Federal office building in Chicago, Illinois, as the "John C. Kluczynski Federal Building".
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1975
Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments - Revises the Appalachian Regional Development Act by authorizing appropriations to the Appalachian Regional Commission of $4,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Authorizes to be appropriated for the Appalachian development highway system $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; and $300,000,00 for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes to be a appropriated to the President to carry out such Act $300,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Extends the termination date of such Act to July 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1975
Provides that any detailed statement required by the National Environmental Policy Act for any Federal-aid highway project in the States of New York, Vermont, and Connecticut which was prepared by the State during the period beginning on January 1, 1970, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed a statement prepared by the Secretary of Transportation for purposes of The National Environmental Policy Act. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Extends the provisions of existing law relating to the care and treatment of animals to cover common carriers and retail pet stores, and to cover any bird when used in connection with a retail pet store. Provides that the standards set by the Secretary of Agriculture under such provisions of law for the humane treatment of animals shall apply with respect to the facilities of any person licensed under such provisions of law and also to terminal facilities used by any common carrier licensed thereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve as the Federal share of the construction cost of an approved State highway project under the Federal-aid secondary system, any percentage of such cost up to one hundred percent. Requires that any increase in the Federal share of a State's construction costs which are made pursuant to this Act be repaid by the State receiving such increase by January 1, 1977, as a condition for Federal approval of future highway projects of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Provides that any detailed statement required by the National Environmental Policy Act for any Federal-aid highway project in the States of New York, Vermont, and Connecticut which was prepared by the State during the period beginning on January 1, 1970, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed a statement prepared by the Secretary of Transportation for purposes of The National Environmental Policy Act. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Emergency Health Benefits Protection Act - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under the Public Health Service Act, to enter into agreements with insurance carriers to provide health insurance benefits to persons unemployed, where such individuals were covered while employed by their previous employer. Requires the Secretary to enter into agreements with appropriate State agencies for purposes of determining the eligibility of individuals in the State for such benefits, and for the purpose of making payments to carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Repeals the provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 which makes flood insurance coverage and community participation in the national flood insurance program prerequisites for approval of any financial assistance in a flood hazard area.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve as the Federal share of the construction cost of an approved State highway project under the Federal-aid secondary system, any percentage of such cost up to one hundred percent. Requires that any increase in the Federal share of a State's construction costs which are made pursuant to this Act be repaid by the State receiving such increase by January 1, 1977, as a condition for Federal approval of future highway projects of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
Provides that any detailed statement required by the National Environmental Policy Act for any Federal-aid highway project in the States of New York, Vermont, and Connecticut which was prepared by the State during the period beginning on January 1, 1970, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed a statement prepared by the Secretary of Transportation for purposes of The National Environmental Policy Act. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109)
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States delegation to the European Security Conference should not agree to the recognition by the European Security Conference of the Soviet Union's annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and it should remain the policy of the United States not to recognize in any way the annexation of the Baltic nations by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to enter into agreements under the Fisherman's Protective Act of 1967 with owners of United States commercial fishing vessels for purposes of reimbursing such owners for all actual costs resulting from any damage to, or destruction of, their vessels or equipment as a result of actions of vessels operated by a foreign government or the citizens of a foreign government. Authorizes the Secretary to provide reasonable reimbursement for losses suffered by such vessel owners because of lost or reduced fishing hauls directly resulting from the damage. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for reimbursement of claims under this Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to damages or destruction of United States vessels occurring on or before January 1, 1971.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
States that the House of Representatives disapproves proposed deferral of budget authority numbered D75-17, relating to funds for Federal aid highways, as transmitted to the Congress in the President's message of September 20, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves the message transmitted to Congress by the President on October 4, 1974, relating to the deferral of budget authority (D75-60) relating to funds for National Park Service road construction.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority numbered D75-63, as modified by D75-63A, relating to funds for Bureau of Indian Affairs road construction, as transmitted to the Congress in the President's message of October 4, 1974, and January 30, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves the President's message transmitted to the Congress on October 4, 1974, relating to the proposed deferral of budget authority (D75-24) relating to funds for rail crossing demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves the Presidents messages of October 4, 1974, and November 13, 1974, relating to the proposed deferral of budget authority relating to funds for public lands development roads and trails.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves proposed deferral of budget authority numbered D75-24, relating to funds for construction and reconstruction of the Great River Road as transmitted to the Congress in the President's message of October 4, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority relating to funds for Forest Service forest roads and trails and roads and trails for State national forests as transmitted to the Congress in the President's messages of October 4, 1974, and November 13, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Full Employment and Job Development Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the implementation of a full employment policy. Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government a Federal Full Employment Board, to consist of five members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Board to perform specified functions, including the following: (1) recommend to the President and the Congress by January 20 of each year (beginning January 20, 1976) a program to achieve full employment in each fiscal year and alternative means of attaining that objective; (2) review and make recommendations with respect to monetary, fiscal, income, and other governmental policies in terms of the impact of such policies upon achieving full employment; (3) review and make recommendations and establish appropriate procedures for the collection of information, from such employers, necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the powers and authority of the Board. Directs the Board to transmit annually to the Congress a report, to be known as the Full Employment Report, setting forth a program to achieve full employment for the following fiscal year, and alternative means of attaining that objective, as required under the provisions of this Act, together with a statement of the Board's activities for the following fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1975, and for each of the two secceeding fiscal years for the activities of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
National Medical Malpractice Insurance and Arbitration Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under the Public Health Service Act, to establish a program of national medical malpractice insurance. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with physicians and other health professionals and with health care institutions which choose to participate in such program to provide insurance coverage under this Act. States that insurance coverage provided by any contract entered into pursuant to this Act shall consist of insurance benefits for the insured against loss resulting from liability for medical malpractice respecting injury suffered as result of the provision of health care services by the insured. Establishes in the Treasury a Medical Malpractice Insurance Fund to be available, without fiscal year limitation: (1) for making such payments as may be required under this Act; and (2) to pay the necessary administrative expenses of carrying out the insurance program. Stipulates that the Secretary shall make insurance available in only those States which he finds have established programs: (1) for the initial arbitration of medical malpractice claims; (2) for the licensure of health professionals; and (3) for the licensure of health care institutions. Sets forth the conditions for termination of participation in contracts of insurance by either the insured or the Secretary. States that the Secretary may not terminate any contract for insurance, except upon specified findings, including that the insured is not complying substantially with the conditions of participation described in this Act. Authorizes the States to establish programs for the arbitration of medical malpractice claims, provided such program meets or exceeds the national standards established by this Act. Stipulates that any civil action arising from a claim for damges on account of alleged medical malpractice on the part of any health professional or health care institution may be instituted in a court of the State only after there has been an arbitration of the claim which forms the basis for such action. Sets forth procedures regarding the initiation of arbitration, appointment of an arbitration panel, hearing procedures, law governing the decision of the arbitration panel, and proceedings subsequent to the decision of the arbitration panel. Provides that there shall be established by statute or court rule a schedule of maximum contingent fee rates which may be charged or accepted by attorneys for services performed in connection with an arbitration or civil action arising from a claim for damages on account of allged medical malpractice. Provides that, within two years after enactment, the Secretary shall, in consultation with appropriate professional organizations establish national standards for the licensure of health professionals and prepare appropriate examinations for the initial licensure and appropriate procedures for the subsequent renewal of such licensure. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the Medical Malpractice Insurance Administration. Directs the Secretary to perform the functions authorized by this Act through the Medical Malpractice Insurance Administration. Provides that the Secretary shall establish and appoint an advisory council to be known as the Advisory Council on Medical Malpractice. States that the Council shall advise, consult with, and make recommendations to, the Secretary with respect to: (1) the preparation of any regulations prescribed in accordance with this Act; and (2) the implementation and administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Provides an additional personal income tax exemption of $750 under the Internal Revenue Code where a taxpayer, his spouse, or any dependent of the taxpayer is handicapped. Defines the term "handicapped" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Amendments to the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act - Expands the authority of the Government National Mortgage Association to provide residential mortgage credit and states that such expansion of authority shall remain in effect for 2 years following the date of enactment of this Act in order to halt the recession in homebuilding and related industries and to increase the supply of mortgage credit to prospective home purchasers. Increases the aggregate amount of mortgage credit which may be insured at anyone time under the National Housing Act from $7,750,000,000 to $10,000,000,000. Specifies conditions under which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may purchase mortgages covering more than four-family residences or single-family units in condominium projects not insured under the National Housing Act or guaranteed under the mortgage purchase assistance program of the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress and the director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1975
Provides, under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, operating assistance of up to $250,000,000 from existing authorizations for projects located in areas other than urbanized areas. Allows the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to private mass transportation operators to provide fellowships for training of personnel employed in managerial, technical, and professional positions in the urban mass transportation fields. Expands the definition of "construction" as used in that Act to include engineering. Directs the Secretary to require that projects receiving Federal financial assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 be planned, designed, constructed, and operated to allow effective utilization of mass transportation services by elderly and handicapped persons who are unable without special facilities or special planning or design to utilize such facilities and services effectively. Secretary shall not approve any program or project under this Act unless he finds that the program or project complies with specified requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Council on Accessibility of Mass Transportation at least 50 percent of the members of which shall be elderly and handicapped persons. Advisory Council shall advise and consult with the Secretary on all matters relating relating to mass transportation for elderly and handicapped persons.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Emergency Public Works Acceleration Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this act to reduce unemployment and put productive facilities to fuller use by accelerating authorized public works programs and projects. Directs the head of each department or agency, in the executive branch having jurisdiction over any program or project carried out under authority of any of the specified laws including: (1) title 23, United States Code (Highways); (2) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; (3) the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965; (4) Rivers and Harbors Act; and (5) the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to reduce or eliminate any procedural requirement established in any such law which would appreciably speed up the initiation or completion of such program or project. Stipulates that this Act shall apply only during the fiscal years 1975 and 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments - Title I: Purposes, Definitions, and National Policy for Managing the Resources of the Outer Continental Shelf - States that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) establish policies and procedures for managing the oil and natural gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf in order to achieve national economic goals; (2) preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf; (3) encourage development of new and improved technology for energy resource production that will increase human safety and eliminate or reduce risk of environmental damage; and (4) assure that coastal States which are directly impacted by oil and natural gas exploration and development are provided with an opportunity to take part in policy and planning decisions. Title II: Amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - Revises bidding and lease administration provisions under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Provides for the orderly development of oil and gas leases and requires that no geological and geophysical exploration shall take place in the Outer Continental Shelf without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designed to obtain sufficient data and information to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the oil and gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf. States that the Secretary shall, by regulation, establish procedures for determining the areas to be considered for exploratory drilling and potential leasing. Authorizes to be appropriated for such purposes $200,000,000 during fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Requires the Secretary to transmit a leasing and development plan to Congress at least 90 calendar days prior to announcing the invitation to bid on each tract in which oil or gas is found in commercial quanties. Provides that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be considered the "lead agency" for the purpose of complying with the requirements of the Environmental Policy Act as such Act pertains to the implementation of this Act. Requires that the environmental impact statements include such information as: (1) the probable impact of the proposed exploration or development on the marine coastal environments; and (2) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed exploration or development. Makes provisions for the development, promulgation, and enforcement of safety regulations for operations in the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires that the Coast Guard make regular inspections and strictly enforce the safety regulations. States that any person who knowingly and willfully violates any provision of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $100,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Allows citizen suits by persons having an interest which is, or may be, adversely affected. Permits civil actions against any person, including the United States, and against the Secretary of the Interior where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty under this Act which is not discretionary. Provides that any person is in charge of any oil and gas operations in the Outer Continental Shelf shall be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, for failure to immediately notify an appropriate agency of the U.S. Government of a discharge or spillage of oil. Authorizes, for the purpose of removing a discharge or spilling, the withdrawal of money available in the Offshore Oil Pollution Settlements Fund established pursuant to this Act. Imposes on each barrel of oil produced pursuant to any lease issued or maintained under this Act a fee of two and a half cents per barrel to pay costs of administration of this Act. Provides that collection of amounts for the fund shall cease when $100,000,000 has been accumulated, but shall be renewed when the accumulation in the fund falls be renewed when the accumulation in fund falls below $85,000,000. Provides that immediately upon the date of enactment of this Act, there shall cease any additional leasing of tracts for the purpose of developing oil and gas under the authority of the Older Continental Shelf Lands Act in all regions and areas where there has been no previous development of oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf or other areas where geological or environment conditions make such development hazardous. States that such moratorium shall continue until a specified time. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare and publish a report with recommendations for achieving an equitable system of lease sales while maximizing production and revenues from the leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands. Provides that the Secretary also shall study the most appropriate means of developing a National Strategic Energy Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligation which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Provides the same income tax rate table to unmarried individuals filing returns as that applicable to married individuals filing separate returns under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Congressional Award Program Act - Establishes a program to be known as the Congressional Award. States that the award shall consist of a Congressional Award Board and a Director. Directs the Board: (1) to initiate and administer in the United States and its territories a program open to young people aged fourteen through twenty-three (with exceptions to be made by the Board) and designed to promote youthful initiative, achievement, and excellence in the areas of expedition fitness, personal creative development, and public service; (2) to set the standards of achievement required for young people to qualify as recipients of the gold, silver, and bronze Congressional Awards established in this Act, and to designate those to be awarded such medals.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Domestic Dog and Cat Animal Protection Act - Prohibits the importation into the United States of commercially produced domestic dog and cat animal products. Prohibits dog and cat animal products moving in interstate commerce. Declares that any such products unlawfully imported into the United States or shipped in interstate commerce shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture. Provides that the Secretary of Commerce shall enforce the provisions of this Act and may utilize, by agreement, the services of other Federal agencies or may designate officers of any State to enforce this Act. Creates a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation and a criminal penalty of not more than $20,000 for each violation, and/or imprisonment for not more than one year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that no ceiling on social security benefits be enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Specifies that the provisions of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stocks Piling Act regarding the acquisition and development of strategic raw materials shall not apply to regulations or prohibitions pertaining to economic relations and/or communications with foreign nations or foreign nationals which are established under the authority of the United Nations Participation Act in response to sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Extends the contiguous fisheries zone of the United States from nine to one hundred and ninety-seven nautical miles from the outer limits of the territorial sea. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1092) Declares the sense of Congress, recognizing the increasing conflicts arising between nations over high seas fishing rights and that the Law of the Sea Conference will address itself to a solution of such conflicts, to review the extension of the contiguous fishing zone of the United States effected by this Act in the context of such proposals and arrangements as may result from the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides for the recomputation of military retirement benefits. Provides that a member or former member of a uniformed service: (1) who is sixty years of age or older, and is retired for reasons other than physical disability, whose disability is finally determined to be of a permanent nature and less than 30 percent under the disability rating system, and is entitled to retired pay computed under the rates of basic pay in effect before January 1, 1972; or (2) who is entitled to retired pay for physical disability, whose disability was finally determined to be of permanent nature and at least 30 percent under the schedule of rating disabilities, and whose retired pay is computed under rates of basic pay in effect after October 11, 1949 and before January 1, 1972, is entitled to have that pay recomputed upon the rates of basic pay in effect on January 1, 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Authorizes the voluntary withholding of Maryland, Virginia, and District of Columbia income taxes, pursuant to agreements subject to review by the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, in the case of employees and members of the House of Representatives, and those employees under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol or the United States Botanical Garden.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Youth Camp Safety Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to protect and safeguard the health and well-being of youth attending day camps, resident camps, and travel camps by providing for the establishment of Federal standards for the safe operation of youth camps. Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States which have in effect approved State plans, such grants not to exceed eighty percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes to be appropriated $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1975, and for each succeeding fiscal year, to make the grants provided for in this Act. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Directs the Director to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a comprehensive and detailed report on his administration under this Act. Prescribes penalties for each violation by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Director to request directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics needed to carry out his functions under this Act; and such department or agency is authorized to furnish such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics directly to the Director.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board may assign. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the House that the United States Government should seek agreement with other members of the United Nations on the prohibition of weather modification activity as a weapon of war.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Prohibits any increase in the price of consumer commodities by any retailer once a price is placed on any such commodity by such retailer. Imposes civil penalties under the Federal Trade Commission Act for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1974
Prohibits any increase in the price of consumer commodities by any retailer once a price is placed on any such commodity by such retailer. Imposes civil penalties under the Federal Trade Commission Act for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1974
Requires the monthly publication of a Consumer Price Index for the Elderly and provides for studies and legislative recommendations to be made with regard to utilizing such index in determining cost-of-living adjustments authorized in Federal programs for individuals who are at least sixty-two years of age.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1974
Prohibits the interstate shipment of dogs trained for or intended to be used in dogfights for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. Specifies punishments for persons involved in such commerce and for promoters of and participants in activities which include such dogfights if any one of the dogs involved had been moved in such commerce. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 48)
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1974
Internal Revenue Commission Act - Establishes an independent commission to be known as the Internal Revenue Commission, the principal office of which shall be in the District of Columbia. Provides that all the functions with respect to the administration and enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 which, immediately prior to the date that this Act takes effect, were performed by the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, or any other officer or employee of the Department of the Treasury are transferred to the Internal Revenue Commission. Provides that the transfer of functions under this Act shall not affect any act done or any right accruing or accrued before such transfer. States that so much of the positions, personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records of the Department of the Treasury which, as determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, were employed, held, used, or available or to be made available in connection with the functions transferred by this Act shall be transferred to the Internal Revenue Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Special Prosecutor Leon Jaworski: (1) should proceed with whatever criminal investigation and legal action he considers to be appropriate with respect to the conduct of Richard M. Nixon from January 20, 1969, through August 9, 1974, including proceeding to any indictment or indictments which may be justified by evidence presented to the grand jury; and (2) shall, at such time and in such manner as he deems to be proper and appropriate, release and make part of the public record whatever evidence he may have in his possession with respect to the conduct of Richard M. Nixon from January 20, 1969, through August 9, 1974. States that it is further the sense of the House of Representatives that the fundamental principle of equal justice under law will be damaged, not served, by the granting of Presidential pardons at this time to other individuals charged with or convicted of offenses against the United States with respect to the Watergate matter.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1974
Makes a supplemental appropriation of $187,500 for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for fiscal year 1975, to provide funds to conduct a study of the effects of the red tide on human health.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold funding of Federal-aid highway projects from any State which has a maximum speed limit on any public highway in excess of 55 miles per hour.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
Requires the monthly publication of a Consumer Price Index for the Elderly and provides for studies and legislative recommendations to be made with regard to utilizing such index in determining cost-of-living adjustments authorized in Federal programs for individuals who are at least sixty-two years of age.